BITTER SWEET, Ky. — Most of us do what we do because of an influence from a family member or friend or just someone we looked up to. I had many influences growing up.

From my dad came the love of the written word and photography, one of my other passions. From my grandfather came the love of music.

He along with various family members introduced me to country and bluegrass music while sharing a heritage that goes back to the days when folks got most of their entertainment from the radio.

With that, let’s take out our history books as I look at the music and influence a man by the name of Lefty Frizzell left on so many country music stars.

Frizzell began to make a name for himself on the radio while still a teenager and then on the honkytonk circuit in Texas. By the 1950s, he was well on his way to stardom.

You can find much of his music on the Internet these days; and with one listen, there will be no doubt why he influenced so many traditional country artists.

Lefty was smooth when he sang. It was a natural thing for him. I think that is why so many other musicians liked his style and learned so much from him. His voice seemed flawless while his writing struck at the heart of the real world.

Frizzell would become known as much for his writing as his singing.

Some of his more famous songs included Saginaw Michigan, one of the favorites, Long Black Veil and likely his most famous song of all, If You Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time to name a few.

In his day he was like no other, but after the 1960s came, his star began to fade a bit. Now old Lefty was not without his vices, and I hesitate to speak of that except for the fact that his affection for alcohol was strong. Frizzell died at the age of 47 from a stroke in 1975. It makes me wonder how much more great music he would have left us had he lived longer. But I guess in a way, Frizzell’s musical talent lives on in others. Those who found their own music greatly influenced by his include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, George Strait and more.

Sadly many musicians discovered his greatness after he died. There have been songs named after him, albums recorded of his songs and countless accolades given from an endless supply of great country singers.

And while many may have forgotten his name or maybe never heard of him; at all, the greats of country will likely keep his name synonymous with traditional country music long after the radio is long forgotten and our music comes through a wrist band. Wait a minute, that’s already happening, but that’s another story.

For Lefty Frizzell, I give him an A in this history lesson of country music.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.